Y&G Sac Central Bulletin #10: Bill Hearing Night Is Here

Here's what else you need to know this week:

1.) Bill Hearing Night: Our annual Bill Hearing Night is this coming Wednesday, November 1! 

Let's hope for a speedy end to the World Series or your Los Angeles-native Lead Advisor is going to be distracted. #GoBlue

The event is mandatory for all delegates and parents won't want to miss this chance to see what delegates have been working on so far this year. We'll convene at the Historic Sacramento City Hall Hearing Room (NOT our usual meeting location). 

Historic City Hall is located at 915 I Street (it's the fancy older building right on I Street, not the modern new City Hall behind it). We will convene in the Historic Hearing Room at 6:30. Delegates must arrive by 6pm for final prep. 

We will start our program at 6:30pm. As of now, no guest speaker is confirmed. Each bill group will present their bill and judging/feedback will happen at the end.  

2.) Bill Hearing Night Attire: Please wear "Sac Attire" to Bill Hearing Night. That is the professional dress code to which you'll need to adhere at our February conference. Sac Attire consists of wearing one article of clothing from each of 3 layers:
Bottom Layer: dress pants, suit pants, slacks, knee-length dress skirt, or knee-length professional dress. (no denim, "Dickies" style pants, leggings, yoga pants, casual pants, etc)
Top Layer: Button-down dress shirt with tie, button-down blouse, shell-type dress shirt, blouse, or knee-length professional dress. 
Outer Layer (NEW THIS YEAR for girls): Blazer, suit jacket, sweater, cardigan, sweater vest. 
Dress shoes required as well. No tennis shoes, please.

2.) Mandatory November 8 Pre-Conference Meeting: Our November 8 meeting is mandatory meetings for all delegates. Make sure you attend each meeting. November 8 is our pre-conference meeting. Parent attendance is also required for new delegates and recommended for returning delegates.  

3.) Mixed Bags: If you ordered Mixed Bags products, I expect them to be delivered in the next 1-2 weeks. They will be distributed at a delegation meeting as soon as they arrive.  

4.) New Fresno Security Protocols: The Fresno Convention Center facilities no longer permit standard backpacks or bags larger than 12"x6"x12". While CalYMCA will be providing small bags for everyone at check-in, you will not have access to that bag before we arrive to the conference on Friday. It is highly suggested that you bring a small tote bag (something close to the dimensions above, or around 14"x16" at the most) or grocery bag with you to hold your belongings between the time we leave our luggage at the hotel and the time we check into the Convention Center. THERE WILL BE NO PLACE TO CHECK BELONGINGS AT THE CONVENTION CENTER. Pack lightly for the day. You will need a pen, note paper, highlighter and, if desired, your cell phone, charger, external battery pack (if you have one), refillable water bottle, and some snacks. That's about it. You will also go through security screening at building entrances so don't bring extra metal objects and, this should go without saying, no pocket knives, etc.

Bill Info:
Groups without (close to final) bill language and completed bill worksheets may not be able to present their bill at Bill Hearing Night. To be eligible to go proceed to Sac Conference, any bill selected at Bill Hearing Night must have an identified, confirmed Primary Sponsor (that is someone who will serve in the Houses program in Sacramento to carry our delegation's bill). 

Ask for help if you need it. Your advisors are all here and waiting to assist you with your bill language, worksheet, speeches, or any other aspect of Bill Hearing Night prep. 

Soda Tax:
Sponsor: Bruce. Group members: Jacob, Alex, Cameron
Bill language here; Bill worksheet here.
LegAn report here. 

Dash Cams:
Sponsor: Keymora. Group members: Zack, Aaron, Miraya
Bill language here; Bill worksheet here.
LegAn report here. 

Motorcycle Smog Checks:
Sponsor: Natalie. Group members: Connor, Ting Ting, Delaney
Bill language here; Bill worksheet here.
LegAn report here.  

Facts Department:
Sponsor: Liam. Group members: Miranda, Jimmy, Brenna Leigh
Bill language here; Bill worksheet here.
LegAn report here.  

For bill-writing how-tos, please see previous bulletins.

The Legislative Analyst report document won't need to be turned in. But it will help you format your research, analysis, and speech. Use it for notes and your speech. Bullet points are fine.

Information about the length and content of speeches can be found in previous bulletins. 

Bill Hearing Night Format

Bill Hearing Night will be chaired by your officer team using this Bill Hearing Night Script.

Parents and guests have three opportunities to participate:
1.) They can ask questions of intent and interpretation
2.) They can participate in general discussion
3.) They get to weigh-in on the bill that proceeds to Sac Conference.

Parents and guests will also be asked to track the following criteria (comes from NIC proposals, but handy for bills, too)
- Evidence of Research: Did speakers cite research? Is it evident the speaker has facts to support the bill and gives a well-prepared presentation? An ideal speech is both informative and well supported.
- Debatability: Is there room for argument on the bill? Does it spark emotional or logistical debate? Does the bill encourage intense and energetic debate on both sides of the issue presented?
- Feasibility: Did the Sponsor describe a practical way of implementing and enforcing (if applicable) the idea? Ideal presentations will detail methods for implementing the suggested policy changes.
- State Relevance: Is the issue of statewide importance?
-Creativity: Does the bill present a new or creative way of looking at an issue? Ideal bills will be both creative and practical in the way they address the issue at hand.
-Presentation-Style Feedback: Do audience members have any constructive advice for all speakers on a bill when it comes to presentation style? (i.e.: watch for time limits, don't say as many "ums," eye contact with audience, speaks too loudly or softly, fast or slow, etc)


Remind Reminder:
- Remind: If you aren't receiving Remind texts, text "@sacc70" to 81010

Parent Corner: 

Bill Hearing Night As mentioned above, Bill Hearing Night is November 1 and we encourage all delegate families (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc) to attend.It takes place at Historic City Hall NOT our usual meeting place. Please see above for more info.

Upcoming Mandatory Meetings: Our practice bill hearing night, November 1 Bill Hearing Night, and November 8 Pre-Conference Prep meetings are all mandatory for delegates. New delegate parents should also plan to attend our November 8 Pre-Conference meeting. Returning delegate parents are welcome, but not required to attend on November 8.

Missed a bulletin?
Need to make a payment?

Mark your calendars for these key events!

November 1: Bill Hearing Night (Mandatory)

November 8: $375 Payment Due
November 8: Pre-Conference Meeting (Mandatory for delegates and new-delegate parents)
November 10-12, 2017 (Fresno) Training & Election Conference I
December 3, 2017: Volunteer Opportunity: California International Marathon Aid Station

December 15: Final $375 Payment Due
January 13-15, 2018 (Fresno) Training & Election Conference II
February 15-19, 2018 (Sacramento) Model Legislature & Court